Nigerian defender Tosin Adarabioyo has expressed his excitement about joining Chelsea following the announcement of his signing by the club on their official website on Friday morning.
The 26-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League giants and will officially complete his move to Stamford Bridge upon the expiration of his contract with Fulham at the end of this month.
He is the first signing under new boss Enzo Maresca, joining Noni Madueke, Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka as the Nigerian players in the club’s first team.
Adarabioyo has been on the radar of the Blues since being identified as a good replacement for Thiago Silva and one who suits the club’s new manager.
He arrives at Stamford Bridge with Premier League experience having featured for Fulham 78 times in the competition and with proven quality.
Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, he expressed his excitement on joining the two-time European champions who he is set to represent for the foreseeable future.
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In his first words as a Chelsea player, Tosin said: “Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there.”
“I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.”
Adarabioyo has grown immensely since leaving Manchester City, establishing himself as a regular first team player for Fulham which has now earned him a move to the six-time English champions.
The Anglo-Nigerian will now have to settle down quickly at the club as he will face stiff competition from Wesley Fofana and Axel Disasi for a place in the starting lineup.